The Massachusetts Spy, Or, Thomas's Boston Journal

PHILADELPHIA, September 21.

Extract of a Letter from London.

"I enclose you a bill, which will soon be a law, and which speaks the intentions of administration more clearly than words. There is a full purpose here of executing it, if we do not, by a firm union and opposition, withstand it. A general suspension of commerce, till our grievances are redressed, is the only measure which is at once safe and sure. The question is now become of such pregnancy and magnitude, that your proceedings ought to be conducted with the greatest deliberation and gravity. It is no common issue that we are trying, as it involves the fate of uncomputed millions.

"The Ministry flatter themselves, that the terror of their measures will make all America silent and submissive. Even Lord Mansfield ventured to declare, in the House of Lords, that all the colonies would return to obedience (his phrase for slavery) in cæde. If I mistake not, he will find it difficult to keep this country quiet, under the distress a non-importation agreement will occasion. That is our stronghold, which I trust in God we shall never abandon.

"Mr. Rigby, who is at the head of the Bedford people, and Sir Gilbert Elliot, who presides in the Royal Junto, both declared in the House of Commons, that as soon as America was reduced to order, it was intended to tax them. You may depend upon this as a fact.

"It is the opinion of your best friends here, that you should put a total stop to all commerce with this country, both exports and imports. Some would carry it so far, as to stop all provisions and lumber from being sent to the West-Indies. The few absolute necessaries a hardy people can want, who are contending for the dearest of all earthly blessings, their liberty, may be easily had from St. Eustatia, the French West-Indies, or some parts of Europe. Keep all the money you have, and pay no debts here—at the same time, by a judicious manifesto, address the British merchants, manufacturers, and your brethren in England, stating modestly our grievances, pointing out the mode of redress, and complaining of the grievous necessity you are driven to. All the colonies, it is expected, will unite; for which end a Congress should be held as soon as possible. You may rely on it as a most certain truth, that Philadelphia, next to Boston is to feel the severe rods of chastisement, if those now applied to Boston are tamely submitted to."